The "Scare Chair" Ski lift from Alpe d'Huez to Auris

Whenever I tell people back in the UK that I live in Alpe d’Huez during the winter, they immediately have 3 things in mind relating to this truly magical resort – invariably the “Tour de France” comes up, normally followed by “that really long black run” (the Sarenne of course) – and after that comes up the subject of the legendary “scare chair”.

It really must be the only place in the World where a lift can be the basis of a conversation, and hold legendary status. It's actually a great lift – it accesses the great ski area over in Auris-en-Oisans and takes less than 5 minutes to get you there.

Once over there, the slopes are always considerably quieter than back in Alpe d’Huez and lift queues are always much shorter as well. There are a wide array of green, blue and red runs and a couple of blacks as well – so the skiing is nice and varied.

Auris itself has a couple of terrace restaurants and the “Foret de Maronne” restaurant, down at 1450metres is a great spot for lunch, again with a lovely outside south facing terrace.

So don't be a “scaredy cat” and get yourself across the valley - it's not so scary….really!!.....